SMALL GROUP TOURS Spring Elegance

CLASSIC 13 Nights Tokyo > Matsumoto > Takayama > Kanazawa > > Hakone > Tokyo

Float down the Sumida River Tour Overview to Tokyo’s beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens Spring is when casts off its winter blanket and really lets its hair down. Every park

Follow in the footsteps of samurai is packed with revelers gathered beneath the

by visiting one of Japan’s best- cherry blossoms, festivals are underway across preserved castles in Matsumoto the country and nearly everyone embraces the party-like atmosphere. This really is a wonderful Explore traditional thatched time to travel. farmhouses at the Hida no Sato No trip to Japan would be complete without folk village in the Japanese Alps seeing something of the big city, and your tour will be bookended by stays amongst Admire the world-famous the skyscrapers of Tokyo. You’ll receive an Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa introduction to Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant and view Tokyo from the waters of the Sumida River. Teahouses, shrines, temples Meet a maiko (trainee ) and gardens give respite from the bustle of this and attend a performance of the great metropolis, providing a contrast with the Kanazawa Matsumoto Tokyo Takayama spring geisha dances in Kyoto futuristic cityscape for which the city is famous. Mount Fuji

Ponder Picasso and wander In the Japanese Alps, the city of Matsumoto Hakone

amongst the sculptures at and the craft town of Takayama offer a trip to

the iconic Black Crow castle and an excursion Kyoto Hakone’s Open-Air Art Museum to Hida no Sato Village respectively. The former

is one of Japan’s most impressive samurai

castles, whilst the latter is an open-air museum IJT CLASSIC TOURS showcasing the steeply thatched, “praying

hands” farmhouses typical of the region. Mid-range tours that cover Japan’s classic

sights or interest-specific itineraries (e.g. Kanazawa offers a glimpse of life in a small, hiking, cultural activities, specific regions) beautifully preserved traditional city, which has embraced the arts for centuries. Three days in Kyoto, meanwhile, will induct you Style Facts into Japan’s other great cultural city. The • Three-star accommodation highlights here include an audience with a maiko (apprentice geisha) and tickets to the • En suite rooms in all locations (except at Miyako Odori: the annual geisha dances given some unique traditional accommodation) to celebrate the onset of spring. You will have • Airport meet-and-greet and transfers plenty of time to visit some of the city’s 17 World Heritage Sites too, of course. • Breakfast every day plus some lunches & dinners Within a couple of hours of Tokyo, the Fuji- Day by day

• Selected entrance fees include Hakone-Izu National Park is a haven of natural

splendour. With stunning views of Mount Fuji Many of our customers choose to arrive a

• Solo travellers: a single room is available across Lake Ashi and a profusion of volcanic day or two early to get over jet-lag and get

throughout on payment of a mandatory hot springs, you’ll have the chance to relax the most out of the tour. Whatever the case,

supplement and unwind in a traditional onsen bath stay we will be happy to make arrangements to

in traditional Japanese accommodation and suit your needs. visit a world-class sculpture park in

an unbeatable setting. Day 1 Tokyo (D) On arrival in Tokyo you will be met at the airport This is an active tour packed with opportunities by your driver and travel by shuttle bus to your for exploration, good value mid-range hotel in the Asakusa district where your tour leader accommodation and a variety of meals will be waiting to meet you in the lobby. The rest included. With your tour leader to steer you of today will be free for you to explore the low-rise through the most fascinating aspects of these market stalls and beautiful red temple of Senso- superb destinations, this tour offers a classic ji, a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, before sightseeing experience in comfort, at a fantastic a welcome meeting this evening. This will be time of year. followed by an included group meal at one of the area’s excellent restaurants.

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www.InsideJapanTours.com • [email protected] UK: 0117 244 3380 US: 303 952 0379 AUS: 07 3186 8800 ABTA No.Y6295 Day 2 Tokyo (B) This afternoon you will have some time to explore Day 10 Kyoto (B) Today will be split between a guided tour by your the lovely Sanno-machi district of Takayama, where Day ten of your tour will be free for you to tour leader in the morning exploring the metropolis you can peruse craft shops and perhaps stop in at continue exploring Kyoto’s myriad sights, or to comprised of multiple city centres each with it own one or two of the town’s breweries for a spot of make a day trip out of the city. Your tour leader distinct character and an afternoon private coach sake-tasting. will be heading out to one of their favourite day- tour with a local guide, giving you extensive insight trip spots – perhaps the nearby ancient city of Nara into the history and modern aspects of Tokyo life. This evening you’ll return to your homely traditional or the spectacular samurai castle at Himeji. You ryokan inn for an elaborate, multi- course kaiseki may even want to head (unguided) as far away The day begins by heading downstream to the dinner, served Japanese-style. We absolutely as Hiroshima and the wonderful Miyajima Island, former Shogun residence of Hamarikyu, now recommend taking advantage of the ryokan’s hot famed for its huge red Shinto gate in the sea, a beautiful public garden with a central pond, spring baths before bed this evening! roaming deer and maple forests. If there is and grand vistas of the surrounding skyscrapers somewhere you would particularly like to visit, and Tokyo Bay. Time allowing, we can head to Day 6 Takayama (B) your tour leader will be happy to help you make Ueno to experience market life and have lunch A local guide will be at hand to lead you through independent arrangements for today. before meeting our local guide and driver for the this charming historic town today. You will be afternoon. Next we’ll travel by private bus across sure to take in the wonderful riverside morning **Please note the torii gate at Itsukushima to the city’s west side, where the wacky fashion market, where you’ll get a look at the fresh local Shrine (on Miyajima) .is currently undergoing quarter of Harajuku borders the verdant imperial produce and crafts. Hida no Sato Folk Village, renovation since June 2019 and will continue shrine complex of Meiji Jingu. With a curiosity just out of town, is an open-air museum where to for at least a year, to repair salt water on every street corner, Tokyo is sure to keep you you can wander amongst traditional, thatched damage. The torii gate may be partially stimulated throughout. gassho zukuri farmhouses – a great opportunity covered with vinyl sheets during this time. catch a glimpse of Japanese mountain life, pre- Day 3 Tokyo (B) industrialisation. Day 11 Hakone (B, D) Today you will be free to accompany your tour It’s all aboard the bullet train for the journey to leader on an excursion to Kamakura or Nikko, Dinner is not included tonight, so we suggest Hakone, one of Japan’s most popular hot spring spend some more time exploring Tokyo, or heading out to try some succulent Hida beef, the resorts, and part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National perhaps branch out on an independent day trip. pride of the local people. It may not be as well- Park. This afternoon we’ve included tickets to the known as the Kobe variety, but by all accounts it’s Chokoku no Mori Open-Air Museum, where you’ll Kamakura is a lovely seaside town, famous for its just as tasty! find sculptures by Moore, Rodin, Kusama and giant Buddha and numerous sacred sites, Picasso amid beautiful scenery. Take your time to craft shops, boutiques, nature walks and pleasant Day 7 Kanazawa (B) absorb the great works of art and alpine setting. beaches. If weather permits, your leader will offer a Today you will leave the mountains behind in After you’ve worked up a healthy appetite in the short, two-hour hike to some of the famous sights, exchange for a day in Kanazawa on the Japan Sea fresh mountain air, relax for the evening as we such as the giant Buddha. Alternatively, you can Coast. Travelling by private coach the journey will treat you and the group to a scrumptious dinner head to the same sights by taxi, bus or train. take us through stunning scenery. Like Kyoto, the at our accommodation this evening. If Kamakura doesn’t tickle your fancy, you might city of Kanazawa escaped bombing during World opt to go it alone and visit Nikko, home to a War II thanks to its wealth of historical buildings Day 12 Hakone (B) wonderfully elaborate shrine complex and resting and cultural achievements – meaning that today Your included “Hakone Free Pass” tickets allow place of Japan’s most important shogun, Tokugawa it is one of Japan’s best-preserved historical cities. unlimited travel on nearly all of the diverse Ieyasu. Your tour leader will be happy to help you Wander the geisha districts, visit Edo-period houses transport in the Hakone region. With a full day to plan your day. in the samurai quarter, – and whatever you do, explore the sights with your tour leader you’ll use don’t miss Kenrokuen – one of Japan’s top three the pass to travel by, amongst others, cable car, Day 4 Matsumoto (B) landscape gardens. funicular railway and even a pirate ship! Today you’ll begin your journey to the city of On today’s itinerary is a visit an old samurai Matsumoto, a river plain city close to the Kita Alps In the evening, why not sample some fresh sushi checkpoint to find out about Hakone’s past as a mountain range. Our journey heads northwesterly from the market or head to a fish restaurant? post-town on the ancient Tokaido trail, a visit to from Tokyo by express train, passing close to Kanazawa is renowned for its great seafood, so Owakudani volcano and if the weather obliges, Mount Fuji and the Minami Alps. Matsumoto is don’t miss out. spectacular views of Mount Fuji! There famous for its impressive “Black Crow” castle, one will, of course, be time to look at the area’s famed of the few remaining original samurai castles in Day 8 Kyoto (B,D) marquetry crafts, on offer in Hakone town. Japan. Make sure you take the time to explore the Midmorning, we will be heading to Kyoto on donjon (main keep) and its museum. another beautiful train journey, passing Japan’s Day 13 Tokyo (B) largest lake (Lake Biwa) along the way. This After a delicious breakfast, a private coach will The city also has a very relaxed atmosphere with a afternoon you will have time to rest or may join arrive to take us back down to Hakone Yumoto beautiful riverside merchant’s quarter to wander. If your tour leader in exploring the historic station from where we will get the train back to our you are interested in the ukiyo-e woodblock prints Higashiyama district, before a late afternoon stroll final destination, Tokyo. Our stay in Shinjuku offers of masters such as Utamaro, Hiroshige and to , the city’s traditional geisha quarter. Here a final reminder of the modern and traditional Hokusai, a visit to the Matsumoto Ukiyo-e Museum you will enjoy a private audience with a maiko, a contrasts of this great country. would be well worth your while! trainee geisha, where you’ll have the chance to learn about the mysterious and elegant world of Why not use the time to wander through the fine For dinner this evening we recommend trying the geisha. Afterwards, we will be heading out to grounds and Japanese gardens at Shinjuku Gyoen soba noodles, a speciality of the region, or (if one of the city restaurants for an exquisite included Park? you’re feeling really adventurous) perhaps a bite group meal, Kyoto-style. of basashi - that’s raw horse! Your tour leader will, Then dip into the chaos of Kabukicho – shops, of course, suggest something to suit your palate, Day 9 Kyoto (B) restaurants and…anything goes! Those with last- whatever that may be. On day nine we will have a private minibus and minute shopping requirements will not be a local guide at our disposal, ready to demonstrate disappointed in the retail heaven of Shinjuku. Day 5 Takayama (B,D) why Kyoto is known as the “City of Ten Thousand On day five you’ll continue your adventure through Temples”! It’s not about all religious sites, Dinner is optional tonight, but we hope you will the Japanese Alps on a spectacular bus ride as you however, as you may also get a chance to see the join your leader and the group for a last meal wind your way to Takayama, a town traditionally “nightingale floors” of Nijo Castle and enjoy the together and a look back over an amazing two known for the high quality of its craftsmen. In fact, bamboo groves of Arashiyama. weeks. Takayama’s craftmen were responsible for building some of the greatest temples and shrines in Kyoto. We have tickets for the Miyako Odori geisha dances later this afternoon, so we will aim to get you back to the hotel in time to freshen up.

PAGE 2 www.InsideJapanTours.com • [email protected] UK: 0117 244 3380 US: 303 952 0379 AUS: 07 3186 8800 ABTA No.Y6295 Day 14 Tour Ends (B) Sample Accommodation Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei, Kyoto Finally it’s time to say goodbye, and you’ll make The Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei opened in your way back to the airport, by arranged transfer, March 2014 and offers well sized modern rooms Please note that accommodation is subject to in time for your flight home. If you are continuing with Japanese touches in a central downtown change. Final details of the accommodation your holiday, enjoy the rest of your Japanese location. With Nijo Castle only a 15 minute walk will be included in your Info-Pack, which will adventure! in one direction and Gion 20 minutes in the other be sent out approximately four weeks before you will have the best of Kyoto nearby. The hotel departure. If you’d like to know more, please has its own large bath for clients to enjoy. Wifi is speak to your travel consultant. Our tours aim to be as flexible as possible, available in all rooms. so there is no set-in-stone itinerary for each Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika, Hakone day. You will be provided on the ground with Asakusa View Hotel, Tokyo This superior grade ryokan-hotel is located in the Day-by-Day sheets and the tour leader will Located in the heart of Tokyo’s most traditional Gora area of Hakone, close to the cable car which outline what they are going to do each day in district, the Asakusa View Hotel offers five-star takes you up Mt Owakudani. detail. If you would like to break away from the accommodation and friendly service. group and do something different, they will be With generously sized room it has Western-style beds, a tatami mat area, and its own open-air hot available to offer advice, and help you plan The View Hotel is the finest hotel in the Asakusa spring bath, making the perfect place for a private, your day. area. As the name suggests, the upper floors of the relaxing soak after a day’s sightseeing. There’s hotel command great views over the city, including also an indoor bathroom with bath tub and basic Tokyo’s newest and tallest landmark, the 634 m toiletries provided. A communal hot spring bath set (2,080 ft) Skytree. The hotel’s 26th-floor bar is in a Japanese garden is also available for you to a great place to unwind at the end of the day What’s included use during your stay; fed by the Owakudani spring, whilst enjoying a drink and the spectacular view. it’s said that the waters can help with a wide range Hotel dining options include French, Chinese, or of aches and pains. Your comprehensive InsideJapan Info-Pack Japanese, as well as a coffee house, tea lounge, Airport transfers and all transport between sake bar and all-day buffet restaurant. In addition JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku, Tokyo destinations in Japan to its excellent dining facilities, there is a pool and Blossom Shinjuku is a lovely mid-range hotel fitness centre, which can be used for an extra fee. in a great location just a short walk from JR IC transport card with 2,500 yen credit for  Directly outside the hotel is Tokyo’s newest subway Shinjuku Station. The hotel has bright and city transport line, the Tsukuba Express, which links Asakusa with modern reasonably sized rooms. Full-time services of your InsideJapan tour Akihabara electronics district and the rest of Tokyo. leader Free Wi-Fi internet is available throughout and Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel, Matsumoto there is a PC corner available on the first floor. 13 nights’ accommodation This modern hotel is, in part, a conversion of a The hotel’s restaurant is a branch of the ‘Akasaka classic Meiji-era bank building giving the whole Breakfast daily and four evening meals Umaya’ chain and serves a good buffet breakfast place a sense of history and meaning the location and a range of Japanese cuisine for lunch and Sumida River Bus ride & entrance to is something only a bank could afford! The hotel dinner. Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo offers comfortable rooms, modern in style and with bathrooms more spacious than at many mid- Half-day guide & private coach in Tokyo range hotels. Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel also 7-Day Japan Rail Pass has its own restaurants and English speaking staff are available Takayama bus pass Transfer from Takayama to Kanazawa by Tanabe Ryokan, Takayama private coach Just a short walk or even shorter taxi ride from Takayama Station, Tanabe Ryokan is a high-quality Entrance to the Hida no Sato folk village and  traditional inn on the fringe of Takayama’s old full-day guide in Takayama quarter. Private afternoon tea with a maiko (trainee geisha) During your stay here you’ll be conveniently close to the morning markets and within easy walking Tickets to the Miyako Odori spring geisha  distance of both the Higashiyama temple area and dances town museums – a great location for sightseeing. Three-day Hakone Free Pass for transport in As is usual at traditional ryokan accommodation, the Hakone region you will be sleeping on thick futon placed directly on the tatami-mat floors. The rooms all have Entrance to the Hakone Open-Air Museum attached bathroom facilities, but the inn also Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Takayama, boasts beautifully presented, single-sex communal Takayama to Kyoto and from Kyoto to Tokyo baths, which are a great way to relax after a day of Full day guide in Kyoto sightseeing. The owners, Mr and Mrs Tanabe, are gracious hosts and will do their very best to ensure Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip you have a fabulous stay. Meals here are traditional Japanese, with coffee freely available in the lobby lounge. NOT Included Daiwa Roynet, Kanazawa r International flights The Kanazawa Daiwa Roynet hotel is part of a r Any local transport (subways, taxis, buses) popular chain of business hotels. The property unless covered by the included transport passes opened in 2006 and is in a very convenient location close to Kanazawa Station. It is modern, r Any entrances fees (including those for clean and comfortable and offers all the facilities museums, temples & shrines) unless otherwise you would expect such as direct dial telephones, specified air conditioning, TV and free LAN internet in all the r Baggage handling and luggage forwarding rooms. A shiatsu massage service is also available unless otherwise specified - you will be expected to carry your own luggage

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www.InsideJapanTours.com • [email protected] UK: 0117 244 3380 US: 303 952 0379 AUS: 07 3186 8800 ABTA No.Y6295 Important Tour Information Luggage We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large Fitness suitcases will be an inconvenience to you as you Even when not using public transport, sightseeing will have to carry your bags for short distances at in Japan often involves walking between sights, times and some stations do not have escalators climbing up steps in temples and being ‘on the or elevators/lifts go’ for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness, For ease of transit, we will be forwarding your able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty and luggage on three occasions and you will be able to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the without your main bag for 1 night in Matsumoto, majority of the group. 1 night in Kanazawa and 2 nights in Hakone. Dietary Requirements You will need a small overnight bag (e.g. backpack) There are a number of meals included on all our for use when we forward our main bags to the tours. Please let us know in advance if you have next location. any special dietary requirements and we will try to ensure that included meals meet these needs. Transport on tour Please note that most transfers are by public In addition, please note that dietary requirements transport making use of Japan’s first-rate transport (such as vegetarianism, gluten-free diets and even network. This tour uses a mixture of trains, taxis, some allergies) are very uncommon in Japan so public buses and boats, as well as private coaches meals for those with specific requirements may be for some transfers and sightseeing. simpler and less varied. International Flights On this tour you’ll stay at a Japanese style This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals accommodation, you will be served a traditional and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport or Tokyo dinner, as well as a Japanese breakfast in the Haneda Airport. Please note that the included morning. meet and greet, shared shuttle airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available from these two En suite / shared facilities airports. We aim to secure rooms at all accommodation with attached en-suite facilities. Culturally, Check-in communal bathing is common practice in Japan. Upon arrival you will probably be tired after a long Shared facilities (when included) will always be international flight. Please note that rooms at the separated by gender. Tokyo hotel are only available from 3pm. Policy on single rooms Hotels in Japan operate strict check-in policies. Single rooms are guaranteed at all night stops on Check-in will be at three or four in the afternoon this tour through payment of a mandatory single for most accommodations. If you have an early supplement. arrival you can either book an extra night for any-time check-in, or the hotel will be happy to Double rooms securely store your luggage for you whilst you go Please note that in Japan, twin rooms are very for a drink or explore the local area. much the norm, and there are far fewer double rooms available. Please understand that we will The tour leader will be staying at the first hotel for not be able to offer a double in every hotel on this two nights before the tour starts so they will be tour. available for advice if you choose to book pre tour nights. We recommend booking at least one extra A double grade does not guarantee double rooms night to check in and relax before the tour begins. throughout.

Your tour leader Our tours are led on the ground by a fluent English speaker, now a resident of Japan and able to speak Japanese. They are there to ensure that you get the most out of your trip and that the whole adventure goes smoothly. The tour leader travels with the group and stays at the same hotels and ryokan, so please feel free to ask for help or advice at any time.

Your tour leader is not a guide so may not know every historical detail of every shrine, temple or palace, yet they are available pretty much all day every day and will even be happy to accompany tour members out at night on occasion!

Please note that the tour leader reserves the right to deny participation in an activity if they feel that it is in the safety or best interest of you and/or any other members of the group. Similarly, dangerous weather conditions may lead to cancellation of such an activity.

PAGE 4 www.InsideJapanTours.com • [email protected] UK: 0117 244 3380 US: 303 952 0379 AUS: 07 3186 8800 ABTA No.Y6295